6 Must-Try Restaurant Chains For The Best Fried Fish In North Carolina
Nothing beats the crispy, golden perfection of fried fish, especially when you’re in North Carolina where seafood reigns supreme.
As a coastal state with a rich fishing heritage, North Carolina offers some seriously delicious fried fish options that’ll make your taste buds dance.
I’ve spent years hunting down the best seafood joints across the state, and I’m thrilled to share my top picks with you!
1. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q: The Surprising Seafood Star
Who would’ve thought a place famous for barbecue would serve fish that makes me weak in the knees? Last summer, I stumbled upon Smithfield’s seafood offerings by accident when my usual order was sold out, and boy, was that a happy accident!
Smithfield’s treats their fried fish with the same reverence as their legendary barbecue. Each piece is hand-breaded in a peppery cornmeal coating that adds just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the delicate fish flavor.
The family-style fish plates come with those amazing hushpuppies that practically melt in your mouth. My cousin from Boston still talks about this place months after visiting – that’s how memorable their crispy fish fillets are!
2. Mayflower Seafood: Old-School Charm With Unbeatable Flavor
Grandma always said Mayflower Seafood reminded her of the fish camps she visited as a child, and I couldn’t agree more! This nostalgic chain captures that authentic North Carolina fish camp experience that’s becoming harder to find these days.
Their seafood platters arrive piled high with golden fish fillets that somehow manage to be light and crispy rather than greasy. My brother swears they have some secret ingredient in their batter, but they’re not telling!
What I love most about Mayflower is how they’ve kept their recipes unchanged for decades. The sweet tea comes in those classic plastic red cups, and the servers still call you “honey” as they drop off extra napkins. When you want fried fish that tastes like a warm hug from the past, Mayflower never disappoints.
3. Captain D’s: Where Fast Food Meets Fresh Catch
The first time I walked into Captain D’s after a long beach day, the smell of fresh-fried fish nearly knocked me off my feet! Their signature batter creates this incredible crunch that gives way to flaky, tender fish underneath.
What really sets Captain D’s apart is their consistency – whether you’re visiting their Wilmington location or stopping by Charlotte, that fish platter hits the spot every single time. Their hushpuppies deserve a special mention too – little golden balls of cornmeal heaven.
Fun fact: Despite being a chain, Captain D’s adjusts their fish offerings based on local NC catches when possible. My go-to order? The two-piece fish meal with extra tartar sauce and those crispy crinkle fries on the side.
4. The Full Moon Oyster Bar: Elevated Fried Fish Worth Howling About
“Holy mackerel!” Those were literally the first words out of my mouth when I tried The Full Moon’s fried flounder last spring. While they’re known for their raw bar, their fried fish deserves its own spotlight!
Unlike other chains that focus on quantity, Full Moon prioritizes quality with locally-sourced fish that was swimming in the Atlantic just hours before hitting your plate. Their light tempura-style batter creates this delicate crispiness that lets the fish’s natural sweetness shine through.
The atmosphere adds to the experience – their round bar setup means you can watch the cooks work their magic while sipping a cold local brew. My fishing buddy Mark, who’s pickier than a cat in a sardine factory, now insists we celebrate every successful fishing trip with dinner here. That’s saying something!
5. Carolina Fish Fry Co.: The Hometown Hero Of Fried Seafood
Remember those summer evenings when the whole neighborhood smelled like a fish fry? Carolina Fish Fry Co. bottles that exact feeling! Their small but mighty chain has become my Thursday night tradition – I even have a punch card that’s nearly worn through from frequent visits.
What makes their fish special is the ultra-thin cornmeal coating that shatters like glass when you bite into it. The fish inside stays moist and flaky, never dry or tough. They don’t try to mask the flavor with heavy seasonings – just simple, honest cooking that lets quality ingredients speak for themselves.
The portions are generous enough that I always have leftovers for lunch the next day (though they’re never quite as crispy reheated). Pro tip: Their homemade tartar sauce is legendary – I may have once tried to sneak an extra container in my purse!
6. King’s Seafood: The Coastal Crown Jewel
My first bite of King’s Seafood’s famous fried flounder nearly brought tears to my eyes – dramatic, I know, but absolutely true! This family-owned chain started on the coast and brought their seafood expertise inland, blessing all of North Carolina with their perfectly fried treasures.
King’s distinguishes itself with an impossibly light, almost pastry-like batter that puffs up around the fish, creating these amazing air pockets that shatter between your teeth. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the buttery fish inside is nothing short of magical.
Their seafood platters come with these amazing corn fritters that I’ve tried (and failed) to recreate at home countless times. My fishing guide swears King’s is the only place he’ll eat seafood on his days off – when someone who catches fish for a living chooses your restaurant, you know it’s the real deal!